Every year, a procession of 300 or more people wearing wonderful medieval costumes, as well as many riders on their horses, parade through Cortona's historic center. The competition known as the Giostra dell'Archidado commemorates the wedding of Francesco Casali, Lord of Cortona, and the noblewoman Antonia Salimbeni of Sienna, which took place in 1397. The crossbowmen from Cortona's five quarters, "Quintieri", compete for a golden arrow. The contest is held in Piazza Signorelli. Flag throwing (or flag tossing) is often a major part of the historical costume festivals that are one of the great attractions of Tuscany and, indeed, of all Italy. The performers, known as Sbandieratori, usually young men but with an increasing number of young ladies taking part, dress in medieval costumes and are usually accompanied by drummers (Tamburi) and sometimes trumpeters (Trombettieri). Skills range from good to truly excellent. The younger participants engage in synchronized flag waving through tossing and catching their own flags, while the truly skilled carry out amazing and beautiful exercises involving simultaneously throwing two flags to two partners in their team. I was fortunate to arrive in Cortona from Roma on Sunday, the last day of the festival.